Methods to improve the loft of down feathers

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of home textiles. A method for improving the loft of down feathers involves first pre-oxidizing the down feathers with hydrogen peroxide, then using TG enzyme to cross-link the pre-oxidized down feathers within the down fibers, followed by a grafting reaction of the cross-linked down feathers with a heat-sensitive microencapsulated lofting agent, and finally, electrostatic treatment of the grafted down feathers using a partial electrostatic plate. This invention improves the loft performance of down feathers through a combination of green chemistry and physical methods, maximizing the improvement in down loft performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home textiles, and more specifically to the treatment of down fibers. Background Technology

[0002] Down fiber is a natural protein fiber with properties of warmth, lightness, fluffiness, and insulation, making it an excellent filling material for winter down clothing and bedding. With the improvement of people's living standards and changes in consumption concepts, people are increasingly pursuing products made from natural raw materials, and down comforters have become a popular trend, evolving towards being lighter and warmer.

[0003] Loft is an important indicator of the warmth retention performance of down; the higher the loft, the better the warmth retention performance of the down under the same conditions. Improving the loft of down is of positive practical significance and crucial for promoting the development of the down processing industry and meeting market demands. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for improving the loft of down feathers in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] A method for improving the loft of down feathers is characterized by first pre-oxidizing the down feathers with hydrogen peroxide, then using TG enzyme to form CONH- groups inside the down filaments in the pre-oxidized down feathers, then using a heat-sensitive microcapsule lofting agent to perform a grafting reaction on the cross-linked down feathers, and finally using a partial electrostatic plate to electrostatically treat the grafted down feathers.

[0006] When washing, put the down into the washing machine and rinse with clean water for 4-5 minutes;

[0007] Wash with hot water for 30-40 minutes. When washing with hot water, add detergent, deodorizer, and degreaser. The temperature should be 50-70℃.

[0008] Add hydrogen peroxide for pre-oxidation for 10-15 minutes. When pre-oxidizing with hydrogen peroxide, adjust the pH of the added hydrogen peroxide to 8.0-8.5 and the temperature to 30-45℃.

[0009] Add TG enzyme and react for 15-20 minutes to form -CONH- groups. During the TG enzyme reaction, add TG enzyme, adjust the pH to 7.0-8.0, and maintain the temperature at 35-50℃.

[0010] Add the heat-sensitive microcapsule leavening agent and carry out the grafting reaction for 25-30 minutes. When the heat-sensitive microcapsule leavening agent is carrying out the grafting reaction, add the heat-sensitive microcapsule leavening agent and adjust the pH to 6.5-7.

[0011] Preferably, during hydrogen peroxide pre-oxidation, the added hydrogen peroxide owf is 0.3%-0.6%, and the pH is adjusted to the desired level using soda ash or baking soda.

[0012] Preferably, during the TG enzyme reaction, the added TG enzyme owf is 0.4-0.8%, the bath ratio is 1:20 to 1:30, and the pH is adjusted with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate.

[0013] Preferably, when the thermosensitive microcapsule leavening agent is used for grafting reaction, 0.5%-2% of the thermosensitive microcapsule leavening agent owf is added, the bath ratio is 1:30-1:40, the thermosensitive microcapsule leavening agent is added slowly, the temperature is raised to 45°C for the first time, 1 / 3 is added, the reaction is carried out for 10 minutes, the temperature is raised to 55°C for the second time, 2 / 3 is added, and the reaction is carried out for 15-20 minutes.

[0014] Preferably, after the down is dried, some electrostatic plates are added to the pipes leading into the cooling machine to perform electrostatic treatment on the down.

[0015] Preferably, the cooling machine's pipes are equipped with elastic ropes that continuously beat the down feathers as the cooling machine rotates.

[0016] Beneficial effects: This invention improves the loft performance of down by combining green chemistry with physical methods, thereby maximizing the loft performance of down. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention is further described below.

[0018] The method to improve the loft of down involves first pre-oxidizing the down with hydrogen peroxide, then using TG enzyme to form -CONH- groups in the down fibers of the pre-oxidized down, then using a heat-sensitive microcapsule lofting agent to graft the cross-linked down fibers, and finally using a partial electrostatic plate to electrostatically treat the grafted down.

[0019] In existing technologies, down washing typically involves adding only detergent, degreaser, and deodorizer to the down washing machine. This invention places the down in the washing machine and first washes it with clean water for 4-5 minutes; then washes it with hot water for 30-40 minutes, adding detergent, deodorizer, and degreaser at a temperature of 50-70℃; next, it undergoes hydrogen peroxide pre-oxidation for 10-15 minutes, adjusting the pH to 8.0-8.5 and the temperature to 30-45℃; then, it undergoes a TG enzyme reaction for 15-20 minutes, adding TG enzyme, adjusting the pH to 7.0-8.0, and the temperature to 35-50℃; finally, it undergoes a grafting reaction with a heat-sensitive microcapsule fluffing agent for 25-30 minutes, adding the heat-sensitive microcapsule fluffing agent and adjusting the pH to 6.5-7. The loft of down obtained by the washing method of the present invention can be increased by about 15% (that is, from 650 in the traditional process to 750+ in the process of the present invention).

[0020] When washing with hot water, add 3%-4% detergent, 1%-2% deodorant, and 0.5%-1% degreaser.

[0021] In this process, during hydrogen peroxide pre-oxidation, the added hydrogen peroxide has an owf (OWF) of 0.3%-0.6%, and the pH is adjusted to the desired level using soda ash or baking soda. The hydrogen peroxide pre-oxidizes the down, gently opening the disulfide bonds in the keratin without embrittlement of the down fibers, allowing the protein chains to unfold and facilitating more uniform enzymatic cross-linking. It also provides mild degreasing and impurity removal. Preferred hydrogen peroxide stabilizers are sodium silicate or organophosphorus stabilizers, such as sodium pyrophosphate or sodium silicate. During hydrogen peroxide pre-oxidation, a stabilizer is added to a concentration of 0.3 g / L. This invention limits the amount of stabilizer added to effectively prevent metal ion catalytic damage to the down. The invention also selects a suitable temperature for hydrogen peroxide pre-oxidation to ensure a gentler oxidation process and avoid strong damage. Finally, the invention selects a suitable washing time, sufficient to open disulfide bonds without over-oxidation, allowing the protein chains to unfold. Under mild conditions, H2O2 can release active oxygen and generate active groups such as hydroxyl / carboxyl groups, which greatly enhances the subsequent cross-linking of TG enzymes.

[0022] In the TG enzyme reaction, the added TG enzyme is 0.4-0.8% owf, the bath ratio is 1:20-1:30, and the pH is adjusted with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. TG enzyme can form amide bonds within the down keratin, resulting in a denser down structure, increased structural strength, reduced breakage, and improved resilience and loft retention. It also promotes the full reaction of the heat-sensitive microcapsule lofting agent, further enhancing the down's loft performance. During the TG enzyme reaction, synergists can also be added: 0.1%-0.2% chitosan oligomer and 0.2% silk fibroin hydrolysate. These synergists further enhance the loft and feel. After treatment with hydrogen peroxide and TG enzyme, the down loft increases by 3%-7%.

[0023] In the grafting reaction of the thermosensitive microcapsule fluffing agent, the concentration of the added thermosensitive microcapsule fluffing agent is 0.5%-2%, the bath ratio is 1:30-1:40, and the agent is added slowly. The temperature is first raised to 45℃, then 1 / 3 is added, and the reaction is allowed to proceed for 10 minutes. The temperature is then raised to 55℃, and the remaining 2 / 3 is added, with the reaction proceeding for 15-20 minutes. The thermosensitive microcapsule fluffing agent is a physical foaming agent, a green chemical product, and a low-temperature responsive polymer that can penetrate into the down fiber duct. Its melting point is 60-80℃, and upon reaching a certain temperature, it releases CO2, causing the down to expand and improve its fluffiness.

[0024] After dehydration, the down feathers enter a dryer, typically using steam drying for about 20 minutes. During this process, the heat-sensitive microencapsulated fluffing agent releases a large amount of CO2 into the down fiber ducts upon reaching a certain temperature, enhancing the down's loft. After drying, the down enters a cooler. Electrostatic plates are added to the drying and cooling pipes to statically charge the partially damp down, allowing it to fully unfold. Simultaneously, elastic cords are installed in the cooler. As the cooler rotates at high speed, the elastic cords continuously beat the down, maximizing its unfolding. This dual action significantly improves the down's loft, increasing it by approximately 8% to 15%.

[0025] Implementation Case 1

[0026] This implementation case provides a traditional washing and drying method, as detailed below:

[0027] Place the down feathers in a washing machine and rinse with clean water for 4-5 minutes to remove some dust and impurities. After draining the wastewater, rinse with hot water for 30-40 minutes at a temperature of 50-70℃. Add 3%-4% detergent (Dongfang Meijie F6 or Kaiping KP-801 down detergent), 1%-2% deodorizer (Dongfang Meijie OD-FK or Kaiping KP-803 or Jiesheng T-91), and 0.5%-1% degreaser (Kaiping LN-C or Yongjin Bio DY-X / A5). After the hot water rinse, drain the wastewater and rinse with clean water again. Then, place the down feathers into a spin dryer to spin dry.

[0028] After being dehydrated and spun dry, the down feathers enter a dryer, typically using steam drying at around 120℃ for 20 minutes. After drying, a fan draws the down feathers into a cooling machine for cooling and dust removal, lasting approximately 10 minutes. Following this, the down undergoes a batching process, at which point the down fill power is approximately 650 in. 3 / oz.

[0029] Implementation Case 2

[0030] This implementation example provides a traditional water washing and improved post-drying and cooling method, as follows:

[0031] Place the down feathers in a washing machine and rinse with clean water for 4-5 minutes to remove some dust and impurities. After draining the wastewater, rinse with hot water for 30-40 minutes at a temperature of 50-70℃. Add 3%-4% detergent (Dongfang Meijie F6 or Kaiping KP-801 down detergent), 1%-2% deodorizer (Dongfang Meijie OD-FK or Kaiping KP-803 or Jiesheng T-91), and 0.5%-1% degreaser (Kaiping LN-C or Yongjin Bio DY-X / A5). After the hot water rinse, drain the wastewater and rinse with clean water again. Then, place the down feathers into a spin dryer to spin dry.

[0032] After dehydration and spin-drying, the down feathers enter a dryer, typically using steam drying at around 120℃ for 20 minutes. After drying, a fan draws the down feathers into a cooling machine. Electrostatic plates are added to the drying and cooling pipes to statically charge the partially damp down feathers, allowing them to fully unfold. Simultaneously, elastic ropes are installed in the cooling machine; as the machine rotates at high speed, the ropes continuously beat the down feathers, maximizing their unfolding. Cooling time is approximately 10 minutes. Subsequent batching processing increases the down loft by about 3%, to approximately 670 inches. 3 / oz.

[0033] Implementation Case 3

[0034] This implementation case provides an improved method for post-washing and traditional drying, as follows:

[0035] Place the down feathers in a washing machine. First, rinse with clean water for 4-5 minutes to remove some dust and impurities, then drain the wastewater. Next, wash with hot water for 30-40 minutes at a temperature of 50-70℃, while adding 3%-4% detergent (Dongfang Meijie F6 or Kaiping KP-801 down detergent), 1%-2% deodorizer (Dongfang Meijie OD-FK or Kaiping KP-803 or Jiesheng T-91), and 0.5%-1% degreaser (Kaiping LN-C or Yongjin Bio DY-X / A5). Then, pre-oxidize with hydrogen peroxide (Mingxin or Binhua) for 10-15 minutes, with an OWF of 0.3%-0.6%. Adjust the pH to 8.0-8.5 with soda ash or baking soda at a temperature of 30-45℃. Finally, perform a TG enzyme reaction (Dongsheng Bio or Mingtong Bio) for 15-20 minutes, adding TG enzyme OWF. 0.4-0.8% of the down feathers were added at a liquor ratio of 1:20-1:30, adjusted to pH 7.0-8.0 with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate, and the temperature was 35-50℃. Then, a grafting reaction was performed with a heat-sensitive microcapsule fluffing agent (Kureha or Dow) for 25-30 minutes at a concentration of 0.5%-2%, pH adjusted to 6.5-7, and a liquor ratio of 1:30-1:40. The heat-sensitive microcapsule fluffing agent was slowly added, with the temperature first raised to 45℃, adding 1 / 3 of the agent, reacting for 10 minutes, then raised to 55℃, adding the remaining 2 / 3, and reacting for 15-20 minutes. The feathers were then rinsed with water, and finally placed in a spin dryer for dehydration.

[0036] After being dehydrated and spun dry, the down feathers enter a dryer, typically using steam drying at around 120℃ for 20 minutes. After drying, a fan draws the down feathers into a cooling machine for cooling and dust removal, lasting approximately 10 minutes. Following this, the down undergoes a batching process, increasing its loft by about 12%, to approximately 730 inches. 3 / oz.

[0037] Implementation Case 4

[0038] This implementation example provides an improved method for post-washing and post-drying cooling, as follows:

[0039] Place the down feathers in a washing machine. First, rinse with clean water for 4-5 minutes to remove some dust and impurities, then drain the wastewater. Next, wash with hot water for 30-40 minutes at a temperature of 50-70℃, while adding 3%-4% detergent (Dongfang Meijie F6 or Kaiping KP-801 down detergent), 1%-2% deodorizer (Dongfang Meijie OD-FK or Kaiping KP-803 or Jiesheng T-91), and 0.5%-1% degreaser (Kaiping LN-C or Yongjin Bio DY-X / A5). Then, pre-oxidize with hydrogen peroxide (Mingxin or Binhua) for 10-15 minutes, with an OWF of 0.3%-0.6%. Adjust the pH to 8.0-8.5 with soda ash or baking soda at a temperature of 30-45℃. Finally, perform a TG enzyme reaction (Dongsheng Bio or Mingtong Bio) for 15-20 minutes, adding TG enzyme OWF. 0.4-0.8% of the down feathers, with a liquor ratio of 1:20-1:30, is adjusted to pH 7.0-8.0 using soda ash or sodium bicarbonate at a temperature of 35-50℃. Then, a grafting reaction with a heat-sensitive microcapsule fluffing agent (Kureha or Dow) is carried out for 25-30 minutes. The concentration is 0.5%-2%, the pH is adjusted to 6.5-7, and the liquor ratio is 1:30-1:40. The heat-sensitive microcapsule fluffing agent is slowly added, with the temperature first raised to 45℃, adding 1 / 3 of the agent, reacting for 10 minutes, then raised to 55℃, adding the remaining 2 / 3, and reacting for 15-20 minutes. The feathers are then rinsed with clean water, and finally placed in a spin dryer for dehydration.

[0040] After dehydration and spin-drying, the down feathers enter a dryer, typically using steam drying at around 120℃ for 20 minutes. After drying, a fan draws the down feathers into a cooling machine. Electrostatic plates are added to the drying and cooling pipes to statically charge the partially damp down feathers, allowing them to fully unfold. Simultaneously, elastic ropes are installed in the cooling machine; as the machine rotates at high speed, the ropes continuously beat the down feathers, maximizing their unfolding. Cooling time is approximately 10 minutes. The down then undergoes a batching process, increasing its loft by about 15%, to approximately 750 inches. 3 / oz.

[0041] Implementation Case 5

[0042] This implementation example provides an improved method for post-washing (without hydrogen peroxide pre-oxidation) and post-drying and cooling, as detailed below:

[0043] Place the down feathers in a washing machine and rinse with clean water for 4-5 minutes to remove some dust and impurities. After draining the wastewater, rinse with hot water for 30-40 minutes at a temperature of 50-70℃. At the same time, add 3%-4% detergent (Dongfang Meijie F6 or Kaiping KP-801 down detergent), 1%-2% deodorant (Dongfang Meijie OD-FK or Kaiping KP-803 or Jiesheng T-91), and 0.5%-1% degreaser (Kaiping LN-C or Yongjin Bio DY-X / A5). Next, perform a TG enzyme reaction (Dongsheng Bio or Mingtong Bio) for 15-20 minutes, adding 0.4-0.8% TG enzyme owf at a bath ratio of 1:20-1:30. Adjust the pH to 7.0-8.0 with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate at a temperature of 35-50℃. Then, perform a grafting reaction with a heat-sensitive microcapsule fluffing agent (KUREHA or Dow) for 25-30 minutes at a concentration of 0.5%-2%, adjusting the pH to 6.5-7 at a bath ratio of 1:30-1:40. Slowly add the heat-sensitive microcapsule fluffing agent, first heating to 45℃, adding 1 / 3, reacting for 10 minutes, then heating to 55℃, adding the remaining 2 / 3, and reacting for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with clean water, then place the down feathers into a spin dryer for dehydration and spun dry.

[0044] After dehydration and spin-drying, the down feathers enter a dryer, typically using steam drying at around 120℃ for 20 minutes. After drying, a fan draws the down feathers into a cooling machine. Electrostatic plates are added to the drying and cooling pipes to statically charge the partially damp down feathers, allowing them to fully spread. Simultaneously, elastic cords are installed in the cooling machine; as the machine rotates at high speed, the cords continuously beat the down feathers, maximizing their spread. Cooling time is approximately 10 minutes. The down then undergoes a batching process, increasing its loft by about 11%, to approximately 720 inches. 3 / oz.

[0045] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles and main features of the present invention, as well as its advantages. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A method for improving the loft of down feathers, characterized in that, First, hydrogen peroxide is used to pre-oxidize the down. Then, TG enzyme is used to form -CONH- groups inside the down fibers in the pre-oxidized down. Next, heat-sensitive microcapsule fluffing agent is used to graft the cross-linked down fibers. Finally, a partial electrostatic plate is used to electrostatically treat the grafted down.

2. The method for improving down loft according to claim 1, characterized in that, When washing, put the down into the washing machine and rinse with clean water for 4-5 minutes; Wash with hot water for 30-40 minutes. When washing with hot water, add detergent, deodorizer, and degreaser. The temperature should be 50-70℃. Add hydrogen peroxide for pre-oxidation for 10-15 minutes. When pre-oxidizing with hydrogen peroxide, adjust the pH of the added hydrogen peroxide to 8.0-8.5 and the temperature to 30-45℃. Add TG enzyme and react for 15-20 minutes to form -CONH- groups. During the TG enzyme reaction, add TG enzyme, adjust the pH to 7.0-8.0, and maintain the temperature at 35-50℃. Add the heat-sensitive microcapsule leavening agent and carry out the grafting reaction for 25-30 minutes. When the heat-sensitive microcapsule leavening agent is carrying out the grafting reaction, add the heat-sensitive microcapsule leavening agent and adjust the pH to 6.5-7.

3. The method for improving down loft according to claim 2, characterized in that, When pre-oxidizing with hydrogen peroxide, add hydrogen peroxide with an OWF of 0.3%-0.6%, and adjust the pH to the desired level using soda ash or baking soda.

4. The method for improving down loft according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the TG enzyme reaction, add 0.4-0.8% TG enzyme owf, with a bath ratio of 1:20 to 1:30, and adjust the pH to the desired level using soda ash or sodium bicarbonate.

5. The method for improving down loft according to claim 2, characterized in that, When performing the grafting reaction of the thermosensitive microcapsule leavening agent, add 0.5%-2% of the thermosensitive microcapsule leavening agent owf, with a bath ratio of 1:30-1:

40. Slowly add the thermosensitive microcapsule leavening agent, first raise the temperature to 45℃, add 1 / 3, react for 10 min, then raise the temperature to 55℃, add 2 / 3, and react for 15-20 min.

6. The method for improving down loft according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the down is dried, some electrostatic plates are added to the pipes leading into the cooling machine to perform electrostatic treatment on the down.

7. The method for improving down loft according to claim 6, characterized in that, Elastic ropes are installed at the pipes of the cooling machine. As the cooling machine rotates, the elastic ropes continuously beat the down feathers.